Kitty loves shoes

I got something pretty in the mail the other day, courtesy of Modcloth. Kitty was excited too :)

Saturday stroll

Saturdays Sam and I both have the day off from work, so we usually stay home, or stay around town, at least while it's still dreary out. This weekend I had to get some fresh air, so we went for a walk in a nearby neighborhood that has lots of nice old houses, and big mossy trees. We met some new kitties, saw lots of flowers, and I pouted when I saw an old bungalo for sale that advertised "Newly remodeled!"

We also stopped by our old alley and took some pics, I miss that backdrop so much! It was perfect.

This is what I've been wearing a lot lately, it's that time of year where I'm uninspired to make much of an effort. Black cigarette pants and a striped shirt are something I know looks good and I don't have to think about it. And for the winter chill still in the air I added one of Sam's jackets and a hat I just got, which is luckily too small for Sam so he can't steal it ;)

Also, a candid set of me attempting to sit on a wall. Or rather "pictures of me falling into strangers yards". (We laughed for quite a bit, hehe)





Blouse-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Pants-Thrifted

Shoes-Ferragamo, thrifted

Hat-Donegal Handwoven, via Urban Eccentric Vintage

Jacket-Sam's

After Christmas shopping

Photos by Ruth

Today my cousin and I went downtown to do some shopping with some christmas money and gift cards we received. We went to Macy's, Forever 21, and the new H&M. All were super busy, especially H&M, Portland has been wanting one for years, and they had some pretty cute stuff! I got some socks :)

A few weeks ago I finished this beret to match my yellow cardigan. When I made the cardigan I knew I wanted a matching hat, but after watching The Secret Garden I just had to make a huge floppy beret like Marys. I would post the pattern I used, but I just had it as a guideline, I couldn't find one that was close enough to hers, so it turned out nothing like the original pattern :)

And isn't this little kitty necklace cute? I saw it and just fell in love with it, it has green eyes just like Hobbes!

The third photo is of a spot in Pioneer Square where you can stand and anything you say echos in a weird, eery way. It's always fun to do, before I knew about it, I would just see people standing there, saying "Hello!" to no one. It's right by the corner Starbucks, in the middle of the circular steps. Go there and echo!

Skirt and boots-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Cardigan-Made by me using this pattern

Beret-Made by me.

Burberry coat-Brown Bag Vintage

Necklace-Magic Beans and Vintage Things

I know. Weird.

Studio courtesy of Urban Eccentric Vintage

So yeah, this is what I wore today. Kind of the opposite of yesterday.

Every once in a while I get bored with myself, and in turn, bored with my clothing choices. Don't get me wrong, I know I have some really nice, and fun clothes, but that is of course not the root of the problem.

Does anyone else get bored with themselves?

This outfit is something I would have worn in high school. Actually, I probably did, but thats beside the point. In school, and a short time following, I was bursting with creativity, ideas, and constantly busy with one project or another, whether I wanted to be or not. This led to going to college for apparel design at the Art Institute of Portland, which led to dropping out and staring an Etsy shop for my designs, which morphed into a little vintage shop, which then became a full time job, and that was that. But I was overwhelmed with working every minute at my day job or on Etsy, and stopped, and relaxed. And it's nice. I have time to knit.

I could bring that endless chaotic creativity back into my mind, but I know that means a bunch of unfinished projects laying around the house, ideas on sketchpads that never make it off the paper, and my mind always in a jumble of this and that.

I've controlled my creativity to a point where I can actually focus on things, and finish them (well, most of the time). But I don't think my brian is liking that very much anymore. Perhaps I should paint. Or draw. Or cover lampshades in dried bits of leaves and bunny fur.

That last one may be questionable.

I've stared thinking of ideas on what to do to keep my creative little brain happy, which is enough to get me out of this boredom for now. Perhaps I'll start an Etsy shop of nothing but cat portraits.

You know I'm not kidding about that one ;)

Duchess Clothier

So now I'm officially ready for fall. Seriously, tailored wools and hand knit cardigans (I am waiting for new yarn in the mail!) are constantly on my mind. This autumn craving was encouraged by a trip to Duchess Clothier, a specialty shop that deals in custom mens suits based on antique and vintage designs.

It was upon walking through the door that I wished I was a man.

But then I remembered how much I love red lipstick. Soooo....

I went with my brother, sister in law, and nephew, to the Duchess showroom to help my brother pick out fabrics and buttons and linings for a custom made victorian suit. Yes, my family is awesome. Sometimes I can't believe my luck for having them.

The staff was so helpful and relaxed, not stuffy or snobbish at all, which makes everything more enjoyable. And the range of fabrics they had to choose from! I was in heaven.

I can't wait to see how the suit turns out, there will of course be pictures!

Kitty cats and scarves

Photos by Ruth

I saw five kitties today. And I wanted to take them all home. One was running across the street and nearly got run over by some idiot in his fancy fast car, I really wanted to throw a rock at the guy and yell "Kitties don't know how to use crosswalks jerk!"

Only I would say something other than jerk, but my family reads this so....

All the kittyness was leading up to this gift from my grandma, a darling squeaky toy from the 30s or 40s, it's soooooo cute!

*Squeak squeak!*

And earlier I was browsing Notcouture and came across this cool Hermes site which shows girls around the world wearing their Hermes scarves in different ways. Even though I don't have an Hermes scarf, I do have lots of pretty silk scarves that rarely see the light of day, so the site inspired me to play around with a few. Since I didn't pin curl my hair last night I went with a turban style, which you can learn how to do here (It's very easy!).

Pants-Forever 21

Scarf and shoes-Thrifted

Blouse-Estate Sale

Zzzzzzzzzz......

Too tired to think of anything, long day at work re-arranging all the racks and furniture.

Outfit from somewhere or another ;)

Socks compliments of We Love Colors!

Shabby Apple

A few weeks ago the kind folks at Shabby Apple, contacted me and asked if I wanted a dress from one of their fabulously themed collections.

Yes please!

I picked this dress, because stripes are just irresistible! The navy blue sash is attached, and ties in the back. I really should wear sashes more, the bow that ties in the back is so feminine. I was really happy that the dress fits perfectly, it's one of their frocks that "fits generously" (as they put it), so I ordered an extra small, when I'm usually a medium. AND it's lined! So thank you very much Shabby Apple I am very happy with my new dress!

Dress-Sheep Meadow dress, compliments of Shabby Apple.

1950s floral hat-Don't remember

Shoes-Etsy

Necklace-Gift from Sam

Columbia river gorge

This morning was Sams last day of school, so to celebrate we took advantage of our synched up days off and drove out along the colombia river gorge. It's a scenic route dotted with waterfalls, old towns, and windsurfing.
Our first stop was Multnomah Falls, a beautiful waterfall, full of tourists and a few hiking trails. We had a nice picnic lunch, it was actually pretty nice out. Not too hot, and I pulled my jacket out from under the bed (so much for a summer wardrobe).
Sam makes amazing music mixes, so we had a great soundtrack for our little day trip. She and Him, The National, Beirut, all the good stuff.
We drove our way there on the Oregon side, and went the way back on the Washington side, but at one point the road was closed for about an hour, so we went an "alternate route".
After about an hour of going nowhere near the direction we wanted, and passing buffalo ranches, and Mt. Adams, we had this conversation:

Me: "Maybe we should turn around."

Sam: "We'll be fine, it's not like the highway will just end."

A few minutes later the highway ended.

Sam: "Well at least we're on a regular road."

We pass a sign that reads "One lane road ahead"

Sam: "At least it's not a dirt road."

Sign reads "Pavement ends."

So finally, when we ended up in the middle of nowhere, we headed back the way we came. But there was lots of laughter along the way :)

Blouse-Trina Turk, via Buffalo Exchange

Jacket-A vintage store in Akron Ohio

Skirt and boots-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Sunglasses-Magpie Vintage